AN elderly resident has praised the emergency services for evacuating elderly residents living close to a river.

Residents at Compass Court and Quay Courtyard in Manningtree were evacuated amid fears the water in the River Stour would burst its banks.

Eight-year-old June Wootton lives in one of the flats. She decided to evacuate before the official operation and spent the night with her daughter in Lawford.

She praised the police, ambulance and fire services for helping her neighbours to leave their properties as a precaution.

She said: “There wasn’t any flooding but they were right to do so as a precaution.

“I am really, really grateful to them – I want to thank the people for the terrific job they did."